DOKOLO – Platform for Community Empowerment (PLACE) has rolls out Youth Mentorship program at Iguli Girls Secondary School, aimed at navigating uncertainty and strengthening the future of Lango schools through a risk-awareness culture.
The program, held on Tuesday, warned learners against sexual immorality, drug abuse, and alcoholism. Organizers say the Lango youth mentorship initiative marks a key step in strengthening institutional resilience, accountability, and proactive decision-making within the school system.
Moses Ogwal, Community Liaison Officer for Dokolo District, said child neglect by men is common and often begins when schoolgirls get into relationships with unstable men. “After producing a child, he abandons the woman,” Ogwal told students.
He urged learners to desist from early romantic relationships while still in school and to focus on their education.
Speaking on discipline, Ogwal said good discipline supports better decision-making in areas such as dressing, communication skills, relationships, and preparation for the future.
Francis Osika, Chief Executive Director of Platform for Community Empowerment, addressed students on the importance of humility in communication both at home and at school.
According to Osika, a disciplined student has a bright future and stands a better chance of getting good opportunities, including employment. He advised school administrators to develop a weekly mentorship program structure to sustain the initiative in schools.
During the question-and-answer session, students raised concerns about what to do when they report cases to school administrators or parents and no action is taken. They asked what steps they should take to ensure such matters are handled once and for all. The concerns came after a full day of receiving guidance from different facilitators.
Anna Apili, Head Teacher of Iguli Girls Secondary School, welcomed the program, saying it promotes discipline. She noted that children’s rights should not mislead learners but should guide them to understand both their roles and rights.
Apili added that the program is expected to foster unity between learners and teachers as the school works toward building strong future leaders.
PLACE says the mentorship drive will continue in other schools across Lango as part of efforts to equip young people with life skills to resist risky behaviors.
